DSLR for shooting video

[stixframes]

hey guys im just wondering if i could get some help here.
Comparing between canon eos 7d and nikon d7000 which is the a better camera for shooting video?
and is it better to go for camera with auto-focus function during shooting video or not?

thnx in advance.

 

[RayTravis]

In my opinion,

1st off, I'd prefer using manual focus if shooting video on dslr. Focusing will be faster and more accurate (depends on shooter).
2ndly, Between d 2 cameras, d7000 has lower noise at high ISOs. 7D's noise control is nuisance.
3rdly, Whilst shooting, its easier to change apertures, shutter and ISO with the 7D.
4thly, And updated firmware of 7D has an audio levels monitor now. So you can control the audio gains.
5th, D7000 has motion tracking. 7D none. (but as i said in point 1, manual focusing is so much better)
6th, D7000 has a 20% better image quality than the 7D.

If u were to ask me which cam to buy, i would choose the canon 7D. Why? Because of the ease to access the functions while shooting..

So far these are what i can advise. Just my 2cents worth. Hope it helps in ur decision... =)

 

[Bamboopictures]

7D is notorious for overheating in video mode. Auto focus for HDDSLR is different from autofocus in camcorder in two respect. DLSRs will hunt when refocusing, resulting in in-and-out blurring and a slight change in focal length if using a zoom lens.

 

[milez]

Base on this review http://www.eoshd.com/content/8528/z...coppola-and-audience-majority-give-win-to-gh2
The best Digital cam to take video is Panasonic Lumix GH2

 

[daniyal]

I am not sure about Nikon D7000 as I am using Canon 60D.

Budget wise, I believe Canon 60D is value for money. It makes your shooting a breeze with regards to functions as mentioned by RayTravis.

Last weekend, I have just shot a wedding using 5DMark III (on loan). It just simply blew me away. One thing that I really took notice is the ISO. I was shooting indoor with ISO6400. My Oh My. The noise is so negligable. Compared to my 60D, I must say it is equilavent to ISO 1000 on 60D. I really appreciate this. Another factor is the moire effect. Usually with 60D, if I shot people wearing stripes, I will have this effect. Last weekend with 5DMark III, there were none!!

For me, I am going to save up money to buy 5DMark III.

Just sharing my experiences. There are many camera reviews out there. You can look them up and see which camera suit your needs. My opinion is that you need to be able to have more control over the functions. It will make your shooting easier.

 

[stixframes]

Thanx for all the advise. One more question... What wld b a appropriate lens for a start (for taking videos)?? I seen a few wide angle lens but not sure of which wld b better for video taking...

 

[Bamboopictures]

If you are still deciding on a camera body, you should go with lenses that you won't have to throw out with the body. For video, the slight shift in focal length as you pull focus is quite noticeable, so stay away from zooms. So what prime lenses are relative common, good quality, and has adapters for virtually any make of body? Old nikon AI/AI-S of course! The only problem is if you settle for a DSLR system with a crop factor of 1.5X (APS-C) or worse 2X (Micro4/3), it will be hard to get a handy sized super-wide in F-mount. (Afterall, 2x 24mm=48mm) Or unless you want to lug the super bulky Nikkor 13mm f/5.6.
A good compromise on the wide range is the Samyang 14mm/2.8 (non-fisheye) Not too heavy nor expensive.
If however, you are very sold on a particular system, then the sexy pancake wide-angle dedicated prime from that make is the obvious choice.

 

[blackmidnight]

Personally I got myself a Canon 60D for a start.... The Swivel screen and Audio controls did it for me.. Now drooling over Nikon D800 with the capability to record uncompressed externally on a Atomos Ninja :sweat::sweat:

 

[eleveninth]

someone selling red on BNS. can consider.

 

[XsenseX]

Honestly, depends on what you are shooting ...

GH2 if you are looking at outdoors, landscape, etc.

5D3 if you are doing interviews, a lot of indoors shooting (ISO capability) or low lighted situations like banquet

Lens wise, always stick to the same set/brands regardless if not you will have hell in grading. Nikkor lenses are not going to look the same as canon or zeiss.
Primes pref but if you shooting requires fast changes, 24-70 / 24-104 / 70-200 as the only few you should look at, no other zooms necessary.

I'm gona stick my head out to recommend the Sony RX100. Footage comes out sharper than mosts DSLR except GH2. Might not work for all types of shooting thou.

 

[milez]

Dont discount LX7. The spec looks very good except for sensor size.

 

[jemjemjem]

I've recently just switched over from my Canon 60D to a GH2.

The only think I wish for, is that I should have done it sooner. They are both about the same price. But a hacked GH2 is just leaps and bounds better then any dslr video shooter i've seen so far (IMO).

So if you just wanna purely do video, with maybe a little bit of photo. Then I think the GH2 is the one to get.

60D is a good all rounder with photos and videos.

 

[alzidaney]

for starters, dont think about which camera is better. its always about what exactly you're shooting and the limitations you have. then ask about how to work around those.

 

[eel]

Don't forget Sony A57 as well. If you want AF with your video, that might be a good way to go - provided u have Sony/Minolta AF lenses of course.

 

[garyyyyt]

Anyone thought about the new 650D??

 

[XsenseX]

Anyone thought about the new 650D??

Same exact thing. Still has moire ...

For those that are starting out in videography, do take a big look outside of Canon/Nikon DSLR as the technology is shifting very quickly.

 

[garyyyyt]

Same exact thing. Still has moire ...

For those that are starting out in videography, do take a big look outside of Canon/Nikon DSLR as the technology is shifting very quickly.

The technology meaning the AF in movie mode or the specs?

 

[XsenseX]

The technology meaning the AF in movie mode or the specs?

Tech, meaning everything from quality/sharpness to having 1080/60p which is still unavailable in canon's dslr.

There is no way to use Live AF in Canon while shooting video (cause it just doesn't work) so that not even in the picture for comparison.

 

[daniyal]

XsenseX>>> Care to give an insight or hint about "Take a big look outside Canon/Nikon". I am very curious. Newbie lah.

 

[XsenseX]

No need hint lar ...

A couple of them are:

Panasonic: GH3 in Sept (This one will be awesome if they don't make it hard to hack)
Sony: RX100, FS700, NEX5N/7 (Sony cannibalizing their own products but we all loved it cause they don't hold back like fking canon. Just look at 650D still having moire when they actually can solve it in 5D3)
Olympus: OM-D (This one with 5 point stabilization will remove the need for stabilizers if you are shooting on a truck/car. Its just that the codec abit unstable, awesome tele image, super poppy look)
BMC: BlackMagic Cinema Camera (Shoot in RAW + Outstanding dynamic range, 12 stops!, No more washed out overexposed windows if you are filming inside the house)

Just a few to watch out for ... 70% chance i'll switch the entirely gear within 1.5 years but only not sure to which one. Most prob will keep my 5D3 just for its FF look + outstanding ISO (if i didn't get the FS700)